The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences honored Muppets creator Jim Henson at a wall sculpture dedication ceremony at the Television Academy's Hall of Fame Plaza in North Hollywood, California on Sept. 28, 2005.
The bronze wall sculpture by renowned sculptor Dick Stiles measures 7'1" high x 6 wide and weighs 1,200 lbs. It has been installed on the west facing wall of the Academy Foundations Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre. The sculpture depicts Henson surrounded by some of his most famous creations. It hangs adjacent to the bronze wall sculpture, also by Stiles, of Joseph Barbera and William Hanna, surrounded by their famous cartoon creations, which was dedicated in March 2005.
The recipient of many industry honors including four Emmy Awards and 23 nominations, Henson was memorialized for being an extraordinary artist and visionary who invented unique worlds and characters including the world's most famous frog, Kermit the Frog, along with Miss Piggy, Ernie and Bert, Oscar the Grouch, Grover, the Cookie Monster and Big Bird all who remain just as vivid, original and fresh today as when they were created. The television pioneer and innovator in puppetry, technology and visual arts, was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 1987.
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame includes more than 100 men and women who have helped shape the most important and influential medium of our time. Many of them are represented by artwork -- bronze sculptures, bas-reliefs and wall sculptures -- on display at the outdoor Hall of Fame Plaza, located at the official headquarters of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in North Hollywood. The centerpiece of the Plaza is 27-foot, 1,750 lb. replica of the Emmy Award statue which rests on a triple tiered fountain.
A smaller version of the Hall of Fame Plaza exists is an outdoor attraction at the Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando, Florida.
